WASHINGTON– America’s Credit Unions has selected Scott Simpson, who currently leads the California, Nevada and Utah leagues, as its new president and CEO. It is the second time the trade group has turned to the California and Nevada leagues for new leadership.
Simpson will succeed Jim Nussle who is retiring. Nussle was named president of what was then CUNA in 2014.
The decision is a turn back to the credit union movement for the trade group. After its founding in 1934, the group was led from its then Madison, Wis.-headquarters for decades by leaders from inside credit unions. In 1996, what was then CUNA tapped Dan Mica, a former congressman from Florida, as its new leader. When Mica retired in 2010, CUNA named Bill Cheney, the president and CEO of the California and Nevada leagues, to fill the role. Cheney exited in 2014 and returned to California to become CEO of SchoolsFirst FCU, and was succeeded by Nussle, himself a former congressman.
Now it has turned again to credit unions in hiring Simpson, who has Capitol Hill experience.
“I’m honored to join America’s Credit Unions at such a pivotal moment,” said Simpson in a statement. “Credit unions have always been about people helping people. I look forward to championing that mission and working with our members to grow our impact, protect our interests, and strengthen communities nationwide.”
Simpson has led the three state organizations since July of 2024. He was most recently featured in the CU Daily discussing the joint services organization called Fuel that was formed by the California, Nevada and Utah associations.
‘Powerful Blend’
“We are thrilled to welcome Scott Simpson as our next CEO,” America’s Credit Unions Chair and CEO of City & County Credit Union Patrick Pierce said in a statement. “Scott brings a powerful blend of state and national advocacy experience, a strategic mindset, and a deep belief in the credit union mission. His leadership is exactly what our movement needs as we look to the future.”
America’s Credit Unions said it considered more than 100 candidates for the position.
“On behalf of DCUC and its board of directors, we want to congratulate Scott Simpson on his selection to be the next President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions,” the Defense CU Council said in a statement. “It will take a steady hand to guide and collaborate across the enterprise. There are many critical issues facing credit unions and their ability to serve their members and communities. These issues will have secondary effects on our system and business partners as well.
“DCUC will continue to offer our assistance in strengthening the collaborative spirit across our industry. We look forward to building on the broad support of our members and partners to further our shared ideals and sustain the industry’s success.”
Youngest State Association Leader
In 2003, at the age of 34, Simpson became the youngest state credit union association president and CEO in the nation when he was named to lead Utah’s Credit Unions.
While leading Utah’s Credit Unions, the organization issued a statement saying, “Scott has implemented a comprehensive long-term strategy to protect and enhance the credit union movement’s ecosystem. He began his leadership at Utah’s Credit Unions during three intense legislative sessions marked by relentless attacks.”
Simpson has also served as an anchor.host with KSL NewsRadio in Salt Lake City, as SVP-government relations with the Utah League of Credit Unions, as executive director of the Utah Republican Party, and as a senior advisor in the U.S. Senate.
Other Roles
In 2022, Simpson was elected to the board of what was then CUNA (now America’s Credit Unions following its merger with NAFCU), and has served as a faculty member at the Western CUNA Management School in where he has taught political, legislative, and regulatory advocacy to future credit union leaders.
Simpson has also previously chaired the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC); and served for a decade on the board of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), including a term as chair.
He has also served on the boards of the 100% for Kids Foundation, Utah Center for Neighborhood Stabilization, Utah Business Coalition, Capitol Hill Association, and the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service at Weber State University.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Japanese from Weber State University and is an instrument-rated private pilot.
